This visit, focused on promoting Moroccan craftsmanship and training young people, takes place as part of the launch of the 2024-2025 professional training year.
The CFQMA, which welcomes 487 apprentices this year, is part of the ministry’s strategy aimed at promoting crafts and encouraging the professional integration of young people, notably in traditional professions that are disappearing.
During this visit,emphasis was placed on the importance of quality training and the transmission of ancestral know-how.
The minister was able to closely observe the learning conditions within the CFQMA, in particular within the framework of workshops dedicated to traditional saddlery, leather work and the manufacture of musical instruments, in particular the oud.
These professions, which are an integral part of moroccan cultural heritage, are threatened with disappearance due to lack of replacements.
The ministry’s commitment to their preservation demonstrates the desire to promote artisanal know-how and perpetuate it for future generations.
In a statement to MAP, Hassan Maazouz, regional delegate for vocational training in Fez, stressed that this visit demonstrates the importance that the ministry attaches to the field of training in the craft sector.
“The objective of the visit was to closely follow the preparations put in place for a successful return to school,” explained Mr. Maazouz.
He also stressed that the minister insisted, during his visit, on apprenticeship workshops for disappearing trades, and inquired about the learning conditions for apprentices and master craftsmen, as well as the equipment available to guarantee quality training.
Mr.Maazouz also emphasized the role given by the ministry to contribute to the preservation of disappearing professions, which encourages, according to him, the promotion of crafts and promotes the integration of young people.
Continuing the implementation of the Validation of Acquired Professional Experience (VAEP) system for employees and non-salaried professionals, which aims to facilitate integration into the labor market, the ministry signed this year new agreements with the craft sector and professional chambers in four regions.
According to ministry officials, these agreements will make it possible to certify more than 100 employees per year, between 2023 and 2026.
Since its launch, this program has enabled around 1,500 employees in the construction, textile and clothing, meat processing and craft sectors to benefit from the certification of their skills.
The ministry’s commitment to the preservation of traditional trades,the promotion of Moroccan craftsmanship and the professional integration of young people demonstrates a desire to reconcile economic growth and the preservation of cultural heritage.
What initiatives are being implemented to promote vocational training in traditional Moroccan crafts?
Interview with Hassan Maazouz: Promoting Moroccan Craftsmanship Thru Vocational Training
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Maazouz. Your recent visit to the CFQMA marks a notable step in promoting Moroccan craftsmanship and training young people. Can you discuss the key goals of the visit and its broader implications for the craft sector?
Hassan Maazouz: Thank you for having me. The primary goal of my visit was to ensure that we are prepared for a accomplished launch of the 2024-2025 professional training year. We welcomed 487 apprentices this year at the CFQMA, and this highlights our commitment to fostering the future of traditional crafts, which are, unfortunately, at risk of extinction. By focusing on quality training and the rich ancestral know-how in crafts like saddlery, leatherwork, and the making of musical instruments such as the oud, we aim to not only preserve these trades but also promote their significance within our culture.
Editor: That’s a vital initiative. What are some specific actions being taken to preserve these disappearing crafts?
Hassan Maazouz: We’re placing a heavy emphasis on establishing apprenticeship workshops targeted toward trades that are at risk. During my recent observations, I focused on the learning conditions for apprentices and master craftsmen, ensuring that they have the necessary equipment and resources for quality training.Additionally, our ministry continues to implement the Validation of Acquired Professional Experience (VAEP) system, which plays a crucial role in integrating young individuals into the labor market by certifying their skills, and this is supported by new agreements with various craft sectors across four regions.
Editor: The integration of young people into the workforce is crucial for both economic growth and the sustainability of traditional crafts. Can you elaborate on how these agreements will benefit the industry?
Hassan Maazouz: The agreements we signed aim to certify more than 100 employees annually from 2023 to 2026 in fields critical to our cultural heritage, such as construction, textiles, and craftsmanship. By providing certification, we validate their skills and enhance their employability, which is vital for sustaining our artisanal community. Since the VAEP program commenced, we’ve successfully certified around 1,500 individuals, paving the way for a new generation of skilled craftsmen who can uphold our cultural heritage.
Editor: It’s inspiring to hear about these developments. How does the ministry envision the future of Moroccan craftsmanship amidst economic growth and modernization?
Hassan Maazouz: Our vision is to balance economic growth with the preservation of our cultural identity. Each craft we promote is intricately linked to Moroccan heritage, and by nurturing these skills, we are creating job opportunities while keeping our traditions alive. We believe that with the right training and resources, we can cultivate a workforce that not only contributes to the economy but also respects and propagates our rich artistic legacy.
Editor: Lastly, what practical advice would you offer to young individuals interested in pursuing a career in traditional crafts?
Hassan Maazouz: I encourage young people to seek out vocational training programs like those offered at CFQMA, where they can learn from experienced artisans in a hands-on habitat. Embrace the possibility to preserve these crafts, as they offer not just skills for employment but also a deep connection to our history. Additionally, staying proactive in seeking apprenticeships and engaging with the community will enhance their learning experiences. The future of Moroccan craftsmanship depends on the passion and commitment of our youth, and I believe they hold the key to its revival.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Maazouz, for sharing your insights.Your commitment to promoting Moroccan craftsmanship and supporting young professionals is commendable.
Hassan Maazouz: Thank you for this opportunity to discuss such an significant topic. Together, we can ensure that Moroccan craftsmanship thrives for future generations.